St. Tammany Parish woman sues GSK claiming osteoporosis drug caused esophagus problems

NEW ORLEANS - A St. Tammany Parish woman has filed a lawsuit against Glaxo Smith Kline claiming an osteoporosis drug caused her to suffer esophageal problems.

Barbara Schee, individually and on behalf of William Schee, filed a law suit against GlaxoSmithKline on Jan. 30 in federal court in New Orleans.

Schee accuses the defendant of placing Boniva into commerce without adequately testing it and with no warning that it carried a risk of causing esophageal problems, including causing irritation, inflammation and ulcers of the esophagus.

The drug is in a class of drugs called nitrogenous bisphosphonate. Other drugs in this class have side effects of irritation, erosion and inflammation of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Schee states that GSK should have known that its drug shared similar adverse effects.

The class of drugs can also cause changes to patients' upper and lower jaws, compromise vascular supply in the affected area, cause bone death and inflammation of bone marrow.

Schee states that she would not have used Boniva if she had known of the drug's risks.

GSK is accused of negligence, strict liability, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment and redhibition.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of general damages for mental anguish, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent injuries, diminished capacity for the enjoyment of life, diminished quality of life, increased risk of premature death, aggravation of preexisting conditions and activation of latent conditions, loss of consortium, medical expenses, special damages, exemplary and punitive damages, recession of the sale of Boniva, interest, attorney's fees and court costs.

Schee is represented by New Orleans attorneys John D. Sileo and Kevin P. Riche. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-00310